El Rey National Park is located in the Department of Anta, in the center of Salta Province. Even within the park, trails differ in activity and access: an easy circular trail ends at a small waterfall, another route leads to a 30-meter-high waterfall as a trekking trail, and access to the pools of the Río Popayán is restricted. This variety offers a concrete starting point for exploring nature and regional culture when choosing a destination in the Anta Department.
Hiking Trails in El Rey National Park
The hiking trails in El Rey National Park are self-guided and clearly marked, so visitors can explore the park safely and independently. The Chorro de Los Lobitos loop is described as an easy route and ends at a small waterfall. Both pedestrians and cyclists can use the Ruta Vieja. A trekking route leads to Cascada de Los Loros, a 30-meter-high waterfall. This means an explicitly easy loop, a trail for two types of travel, and a trekking destination are all available—a helpful comparison when choosing activities according to the type of trail.
Lagoons, River Pools and Hot Springs
Laguna Los Patitos attracts native birds and mammals and is accessible by vehicle. Pozo Verde is a lagoon approximately 200 meters long, reached through the lower section of a mountain forest. Native fish schools can be observed in the pools of the Río Popayán; access there is restricted, and only four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended. These differences are important for planning: vehicle access is noted for Los Patitos, while restrictions and a specific vehicle recommendation apply to the Río Popayán.
In the surrounding area, natural hot springs with varying temperatures are located at Arroyo Las Tortugas, 21 kilometers west of General Pizarro. They are traditionally used for medicinal purposes. The route consists of 12 kilometers of surfaced gravel road and 9 kilometers of unpaved road. As conditions may vary, check the road conditions before setting out.
Protected Areas and Landscape Connections
The Pizarro National Reserve preserves the Yungas and Dry Chaco ecoregions across more than 7,800 hectares. Via the forested uplands of the Serranía de Santa Bárbara, it is connected to El Rey National Park to the south and to the Las Lancitas Provincial Reserve in Jujuy to the west. The protected-area landscape of Anta thus highlights different ecological areas and connections, while trails and visitor opportunities at each location have their own conditions.
Wichí Crafts and History
In Section 1 of the Pizarro National Reserve, the women artisans of the Eben Ezer Wichí community make items from chaguar fibers and natural dyes. A visit to the community on Provincial Route 5 must be arranged with community representatives. There, you can learn about their traditions and crafts.
History is also part of the landscape at El Rey National Park: Bañadero de Las Vacas is a remnant of the livestock system from the beginning of the 20th century. The origins of El Quebrachal are associated with a mission founded by Jesuits in the mid-16th century. After an earthquake destroyed Esteco around 1692, survivors sought refuge in the ruins of the Jesuit mission; the ruins were later called Quebrachal.
Local Festivals
In El Quebrachal, the Cristo Rey festival is celebrated on the third Sunday in November in honor of the local patron saint. Artists from the region and from across the country perform. In General Pizarro, the Día de la Virgen de Los Remedios is held on September 1. If your trip coincides with this date, check that year's program in advance.
Discover more destinations: Las Lajitas, Orán Department, La Caldera Department, Rosario De La Frontera Department, Rivadavia Department, Rosario De Lerma Department, Molinos Department, La Viña
For the main travel overview: Salta.
